I have to admit, despite the overflowing population of Asians in Vancouver, it’s relatively easy for me to forget when Chinese New Year/ Lunar New Year is! (It’s Monday, Feb 8) Unless, you head to Chinatown or Richmond, there really isn’t an overflow of CNY vibes. I’ve also got a lot of friends who aren’t Chinese but are fascinated with what the Lunar New Year and all the traditions attached to it are about and SO .. I decided to share some of the traditions with you and here is a simple guide on How To Lunar New Year!
1. The Loh-Sang (Flipping of the colourful edible food things – this isn’t a translation in case you’re wondering)
I honestly don’t know if this is a Chinese thing or Malaysian Chinese thing because I seem to be the only one who talks about it. ANYWAY, Loh Sang (the act of flipping the food) and the food I speak of is called Yee Sang! What is this Yee of Sang you ask?
It’s a colourful mixture of salty crackers, raw salmon slices, coloured crackers, ground peanuts, and topped off with a flavourful sweet, thick dressing!
The idea is to take your pair of chopsticks and together with your friends and family, mix the ingredients together and to lift them as high as you can while mixing. The higher you lift, the more luck you get in the year!
2. Night before Lunar New Year Mandatory Family Feast
Yes, the mandatory night before Chinese New Year feast with the family (extended and immediate and all the cousins in between). Almost always involves more food than you can swallow and a big fried pig (face included)
3. Red Packets of MOOLAH
Okay, not going to lie. I love the food and family and the festivities of it all, BUT come on, those money filled red packets have to be on top of my list somewhere 😉
4. EAT EAT EAT EAT EAT
Did I mention more food than we can swallow?
5. Lion Dance
The Lion Dance – symbolizes good luck and good business! The Lion Dancers are so skilled- I almost forget they’re there.
This week, instead of another round of Sam’s Weekly Style Picks, I found it fitting to add that in to this post! Chinese New Year is all about the red and gold/yellow as these two are colours that symbolize wealth, prosperity and good luck! Give them a click!
